Hamilton

Researchers are evaluating a program that integrates Community Health Workers CHWs into community pharmacies in under-resourced areas of Western New York to address social needs. This study uses a quasi-experimental design to compare outcomes between patients who receive social needs screenings and referrals and those who do not within the same healthcare system. In this study, community pharmacies distribute social needs screening surveys to patients and refer those with identified needs to local community-based organizations. Patients are grouped into those who receive no intervention and those who receive screenings and referrals. The study focuses on pharmacies enrolled in the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network - NY or associated with Tops Pharmacies in Erie County. Participants will be adults aged 18 years or older who visit participating pharmacies. Researchers will monitor the effectiveness of the social needs screening and referral program over 12 months, including cost analysis. The study involves collecting information through surveys and tracking referrals to community resources, with ongoing evaluation of outcomes related to social needs status.

Researchers are comparing the rates of surgical and minimally invasive interventions, as well as any harms, in Medicare beneficiaries treated with the MILD procedure versus those treated with interspinous process decompression IPD for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. This observational study uses Medicare claims data to follow patients for 24 months after their initial procedure starting from January 1, 2017. The purpose is to evaluate outcomes between these two types of procedures without requiring prior patient enrollment or consent. The study includes two groups patients who received MILD, which is a percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression performed under fluoroscopic guidance through a dorsal approach to the spine, and patients who received IPD, a different device-based decompression procedure. Data on reoperations and complications will be collected for both groups over a 24-month follow-up period using Medicare claims. Enrollment continues until the sponsor decides to stop. Participants involvement is passive as the study uses existing Medicare claims data. Researchers will monitor rates of harms related to the initial procedure and subsequent surgical or minimally invasive interventions over two years. No direct patient visits or interventions are conducted, and the study is exempt from institutional review board oversight. The total study duration extends to December 2026, covering cases treated since early 2017.